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Bahraini MP keen on a permanent women’s committee

Lateefa Al Gaood, the only woman lawmaker in Bahrain’s lower chamber, said that she had submitted a suggestion to set up a women and children committee in the legislative body.

“We should have a permanent women and children committee after the amendment of the chamber’s bylaws,” Lateefa said. “Most lawmakers are keen on this committee, based on the significance of the roles of women and children in our community,” she said.

The committee will work closely with the relevant civil society organisations promoting the rights of women and children, she said.

“The committee will present several ideas, suggestions and plans to reinforce the status of women and to empower them. Women’s rights is a highly important issue and the committee will cooperate with the Supreme Council for Women to promote awareness,” she said.

The Shura Council, the upper chamber of the bicameral parliament, set up a permanent women and children committee in 2007.

The parliament, under its bylaws, has five permanent committees, legislative, finance, services, public utilities and foreign and defence affairs. New committee can be formed only after the bylaws are amended.